John McCain's family today announced he has ended treatment for his aggressive brain cancer. Most of us have had personal experience with loved ones who faced the existential question weighing the possible benefits of continuing invasive treatment vs the ravages of that treatment on the quality of life in the days and weeks remaining in life.
This outcome was probably predictable but, despite the fact I've never met him and often disagreed with his policy decisions, I always admired him and am saddened. Like all of us, John McCain is not a perfect man but, IMO, he is a man who commands our respect and deserves the deep gratitude of the nation he so unselfishly served. A man, who as a US Senator. often did what he believed was right for his country even if it was not in lock step with his party.
We all know the story of Navy Pilot McCain being shot down over North Vietnam. Seriously injured, after being captured he received inadequate medical treatment which resulted in his never regaining functional use of his right arm. He spent 5 1/2 year in a prison camp where he was frequently subjected to physical and mental mistreatment. He refused to be released earlier than his fellow prisoners...a plumb offered McCain because his father was a top Naval Admiral. How many of us would have exhibited such grace?
May his remaining days with his friends and family be filed with shared memories, laughter and loving tears.
This outcome was probably predictable but, despite the fact I've never met him and often disagreed with his policy decisions, I always admired him and am saddened. Like all of us, John McCain is not a perfect man but, IMO, he is a man who commands our respect and deserves the deep gratitude of the nation he so unselfishly served. A man, who as a US Senator. often did what he believed was right for his country even if it was not in lock step with his party.
We all know the story of Navy Pilot McCain being shot down over North Vietnam. Seriously injured, after being captured he received inadequate medical treatment which resulted in his never regaining functional use of his right arm. He spent 5 1/2 year in a prison camp where he was frequently subjected to physical and mental mistreatment. He refused to be released earlier than his fellow prisoners...a plumb offered McCain because his father was a top Naval Admiral. How many of us would have exhibited such grace?
May his remaining days with his friends and family be filed with shared memories, laughter and loving tears.
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